‘Almost quicker to fly to space than get train from London to Lewes’

Maria Caulfield MP has voiced yet more criticism of Southern Rail, saying it is almost “quicker to fly to space” than travel by train from London to Lewes.

Ms Caulfield took to social media at 11:19pm on Wednesday, December 16 to express her frustrations at delayed rail services.

She wrote on Twitter: “Almost quicker to fly to space station by rocket than get home to Lewes by train. Southern MPs joining forces in New Year to force action.”

The Tweet came just a day after Sussex astronaut Tim Peake took six-and-a-half hours to get to the International Space Station.

On its own Twitter account, Southern Rail informed customers of changes to service following infrastructure and signalling problems, as well as train faults across its network. The company declined to comment when contacted by the Sussex Express.

Maria Caulfield MP has previously raised concerns about the ‘poor state of local rail services’ and welcomed news that Southern Rail will be hit by heavy fines if it doesn’t improves its services in the New Year.

When the decision was announced by Rail Minister, Claire Perry MP, in November, Ms Caulfield said: “Enough is enough. My constituents are absolutely fed up with Southern Rail and its constant refrain of improvements ‘tomorrow’.

“The latest problems, with train cancellations yesterday, and today, to the morning service from Seaford direct to London Victoria is a classic example of what happens.

“To hear the Government is going to start hitting the rail company hard with fines is good news. Perhaps, finally, when their bottom line is hit, Southern Rail will listen and take immediate action so that noticeable improvements become clear.”

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